Jaguars hire Seahawks’ Bradley as head coach

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. (AP) - The Jacksonville Jaguars have an energetic head coach to go along with their brash general manager.

The Jaguars hired Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley as the franchise’s fifth head coach Thursday, the latest move in the team’s rebuilding project.

The 46-year-old Bradley joins general manager Dave Caldwell, who led the coaching search after being hired last week.

“It was just a matter of time before Gus Bradley became a head coach in the NFL, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are extremely fortunate that Gus will be on our sidelines for many years to come,” Caldwell said in a statement. “Gus more than met every criteria we insisted on from our new head coach, and his intangibles and leadership abilities are exceptional. Gus is who the Jaguars need now and in the future.”

Bradley spent the last four seasons in Seattle, earning a reputation as a fiery assistant who demanded _ and often got _ the most from his players. His defense improved each of the last three years and finished in the top 10 in points and yards the last two. This season, the Seahawks ranked first in points allowed (15.3), fourth in yards (306.2) and tied for fourth in takeaways (31).

“I had faith that Dave would make an outstanding hire, and my faith has been rewarded,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said. “Gus Bradley is perfect for our franchise. The energy he will immediately bring is incredible and I am confident the victories will follow.”

Bradley will be formally introduced at a news conference Friday morning.

“Shad Khan and Dave Caldwell expect to win, and that’s what I wanted to hear,” Bradley said. “That’s why I am coming to Jacksonville _ to win a Super Bowl.”

His liveliness seems to be a good fit with Caldwell, who oozed confidence during his introduction last week. Caldwell pointed to his “track record of success,” adding that he has “never been a part of a losing team.” He also openly shot down any chance of bringing in New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow, a bold move in Tebow’s hometown.

Caldwell came across like the polar opposite of former general manager Gene Smith, who showed little emotion in his four years at the helm.

Bradley probably will look equally outgoing compared to former coach Mike Mularkey, who was known for taking a calm and consistent approach to everything _ including losing.

Bradley began his NFL coaching career with Tampa Bay as a defensive quality control coach in 2006. He was the Buccaneers’ linebackers coach the next two seasons before going to Seattle. Bradley coached in college from 1990-2005, including two stints at his alma mater, North Dakota State, and four years at Fort Lewis College (1992-95).

But his rise through the NFL ranks had him on several teams’ radar. He also interviewed for the head job in Philadelphia this week.

“He’s got a brilliant football mind,” Seahawks coach Peter Carroll said this week. “He’s got a way of reaching people and touching people and getting the best out of them, coaches and players alike. He’s got everything that you’re looking for.”